Fr. Uwe Michael Lang, a liturgical historian and priest of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in London, shares insights from his book, A Short History of the Roman Mass. He discusses the origins and development of the Roman Rite, emphasizing the value of ad orientem worship. The conversation critiques liturgical antiquarianism and the importance of reverence for tradition in modern practices. Fr. Lang contrasts the traditional Latin Mass with the Novus Ordo, urging listeners to appreciate the theological depth of worship and foster charity in discussions about liturgical reform.

DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio De Maria numquam satis: Of Mary never enough. This saying of St. Bernard is echoed by many other saints. St. Anselm, for instance, says that it is impossible to determine the limits of God’s grace in elevating Mary’s human nature. St. Alphonsus says that if there is anything good we can say about Mary, not contrary to the teaching of the Church and having some legitimate theological basis, then we ought to say it. But some Catholics, to say nothing of Protestants, would object to this kind of Mariology. Are these mere overflows of sentimental piety, or can they be sustained as a rational approach to theology? Fr. Charles Anthony Mary, a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate, joins the podcast to argue for why “Marian Maximalism” is a sound theological position. The Franciscan tradition has always been particularly strong on our Lady: St. Francis, St. Bonaventure, Bl. John Duns Scotus, St. Maximilian Kolbe… Fr. Charles makes the case for “Mary-Maxing”, explains some of the doctrinal and ecumenical stakes involved, and takes us through the Franciscan tradition, culminating in the cutting-edge (and controversial) Mariology of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe. Links Fr. Peter Damian Fehlner, The Theologian of Auschwitz: St. Maximilian M. Kolbe on the Immaculate Conception in the Life of the Church https://www.lectiopublishing.com/books.php?b=16 Video of Fr. Peter Damian Fehlner and Mother Angelica, “Blessed Virgin Mary: Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-p2D8Mfrqg SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters

Paul Kengor, a professor and author, explores the mystical world of stigmatists in his latest book. He discusses the intriguing lives of canonized stigmatists like St. Francis and Padre Pio, highlighting their prophetic visions and the skepticism they faced from the Church. Kengor reveals Blessed Elena Aiello's alarming prophecies during historical upheavals, examines the demographic trend of predominantly female stigmatists, and emphasizes the spiritual significance of suffering in their journeys. Listeners gain insights into the deeper meanings of these extraordinary experiences.

A collection of highlight clips from past episodes. 82 A Habitual Counterculture - Brandon McGinley https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/ep-82-habitual-counterculture-brandon-mcginley/ 68 What I Learned from Making Music with Mark Christopher Brandt https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/ep-68-what-i-learned-from-making-music-with-mark-christopher-brandt/ Vie et Passion du Christ https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/vie-et-passion-du-christ-1903/ SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio

Catholic poet Ryan Wilson rejoins the podcast to read poems from his latest collection, In Ghostlight, which deals with themes of memory in a "haunted" world, encounters with realities beyond us, and reinterpreting ancient myths (Orpheus as a hair metal singer!). He also introduces four Catholic poets from his new anthology co-edited with April Lindner, Contemporary Catholic Poets. Links  Ryan Wilson, In Ghostlight: Poems https://lsupress.org/9780807181478/in-ghostlight/ Contemporary Catholic Poets: An Anthology, ed. Ryan Wilson and April Lindner https://paracletepress.com/collections/coming-soon/products/contemporary-catholic-poetry SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio

James Majewski plays guest host in this episode, asking Thomas about his recent essay critiquing the well-known Christian film distributor Angel Studios (associated with The Chosen, Sound of Freedom, and Cabrini). Articles and podcasts mentioned: “Angel Studios: Questioning the hype” https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/angel-studios-hype/ “Cabrini secularizes a saint” https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/cabrini-secularizes-saint/ “Cabrini and the denial that Christ is for everyone” https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/cabrini-and-denial-that-christ-is-for-everyone/ Thomas’s article on Padre Pio in Dappled Things https://www.dappledthings.org/deep-down-things/about-that-padre-pio-film Pope Pius XII on the Ideal Film, Pt. 2 https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/pope-pius-xii-on-ideal-film-pt-2-church-teaching-on-cinema/ New Catholic Culture columnist Peter Wolfgang https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/authors.cfm?authorid=56 SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio

Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) was one of the greatest sacred composers of the 20th century, best known for his Requiem and his motet "Ubi caritas". His lush and tranquil choral and organ works combine a deep familiarity with Gregorian chant with the style of impressionism, imbued with a sense of prayer as he was a devout Catholic. Organist and choirmaster Christopher Berry, who studied organ under Duruflé's widow, Marie-Madeleine Duruflé, joins the podcast to discuss Maurice Duruflé in his historical context as someone who, from childhood, was schooled in the Church's ancient chant tradition, and as an adult applied Pope St. Pius X's instructions for sacred music which were so influential on that generation. Schooled at the Paris conservatory, Duruflé received rigorous training in improvisation, which was the core skill for French organists at that time. His approach to improvising on chant and hymn melodies can still be heard in Catholic churches today. Links Catholic Institute of Sacred Music https://catholicinstituteofsacredmusic.org/ Music heard in this episode:   Excerpts from the Requiem—courtesy of Voices of Ascension https://www.amazon.com/Durufle-Album-Requiem-Messe-Jubilo/dp/B0000006ZS         (See their upcoming performance season at www.VoicesofAscension.org) Prélude et fugue sur le nom d'Alain op. 7 - played by Marie-Madeleine Duruflé Excerpt from Choral varié sur le Veni Creator op.4 - played by Maurice Duruflé himself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SBCDScgqsQ Ubi caritas - by Choir of St. John's Elora Tantum ergo - by St. John's College Choir SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio

A collection of highlight clips from past episodes. 77 Gene Wolfe, Catholic Sci-Fi Legend—Sandra Miesel, Fr. Brendon Laroche https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/ep-77-gene-wolfe-catholic-sci-fi-legend-sandra-miesel-fr-brendon-laroche/ Ben-Hur w/ Elizabeth Lev (Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast) https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/ben-hur-1959-w-elizabeth-lev/ 80 Bring Out Your Dead - Scott Hahn https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/ep-80-bring-out-your-dead-scott-hahn/ 81 Love Like a Conflagration - Jane Greer https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/ep-81-love-like-conflagration-jane-greer/ 126 How Charlie Parker Changed My Life https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/126-how-charlie-parker-changed-my-life/ SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio

Daniel McInerny, philosopher and author, shares insights on art as imitation, rooted in Aristotelian philosophy. He argues that art, whether narrative or non-narrative, carries moral dimensions and reflects deeper truths. The discussion explores the ethical implications of fiction, the emotional depth of music, and the spiritual connection in modern art. McInerny also critiques traditional music theory, emphasizing the relationship between intention and audience experience. This lively dialogue invites listeners to reconsider the beauty and moral significance in all forms of artistic expression.

Poet & philosopher James Matthew Wilson rejoins the show to read poems from his new collection, Saint Thomas and the Forbidden Birds, published by Word on Fire; and to discuss the tradition of English poetry, especially with regard to meter. Don't miss the title poem, a verse setting of a passage from Aquinas's Summa Theologiae! Links Saint Thomas and the Forbidden Birds https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/saint-thomas-and-the-forbidden-birds The Fortunes of Poetry in an Age of Unmaking https://www.wisebloodbooks.com/store/p82/The_Fortunes_of_Poetry_in_an_Age_of_Unmaking%2C_by_James_Matthew_Wilson.html SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters DONATE to make this show possible! http://catholicculture.org/donate/audio